The Audi drivers complete their dress rehearsal for the DTM season opener during a test at the Hockenheimring. André Lotterer, Audi factory driver in the WEC, entered a race as privateer in an Audi Coupé from 1981. A press test day is held for the ADAC GT Masters on April 10 at Oschersleben.

DTM dress rehearsal at Hockenheim

DTM fans can enjoy seeing the RS 5 DTM in action between Tuesday and Friday (April 9 to 12) at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. During the final official DTM test before the season begins, the Südtribüne G (south grandstand G) is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 for spectators. Admission costs 6 Euro and includes ticket for the Motor-Sport-Museum am Hockenheimring. Each of the eight Audi drivers are in action for two days at the DTM dress rehearsal – according to the latest plan as follows: Filipe Albuquerque Tuesday/Friday; Mattias Ekström Tuesday/Friday; Jamie Green Tuesday/Thursday; Miguel Molina Tuesday/Thursday; Edoardo Mortara Wednesday/Thursday; Mike Rockenfeller Tuesday/Friday; Timo Scheider Wednesday/Friday; Adrien Tambay Wednesday/Thursday. Rain is forecast for the Hockenheim region on all four test days.

André Lotterer in historical Audi Coupé

André Lotterer treated himself to a private race outing just one week before the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC. The Audi factory driver competed in the Belgian Historic Cup at Spa. The German was delighted to finish third in the ‘Trophée des Fagnes’ at the wheel of the historical Audi Coupé from 1981, which Lotterer’s father helped to build at that time. In the near 240 hp two-liter Coupé, he only had to give best to two GT sportscar producing over 300 hp. “It was great fun and the fastest lap was a fitting reward,” said a pleased Lotterer. “By the way, Eau Rouge is flat in the Audi Coupé – just like the Audi R18 e-tron quattro!”

Audi R8 LMS ultra at ADAC GT Masters press test day

On April 10, members of the media are invited by ADAC to attend the press test day of the ADAC GT Masters at Oschersleben. For Germany’s top-end GT3 racing series, Teams MS RACING, Prosperia C.Abt Racing and Yaco Racing have nominated a total of five Audi R8 LMS ultra cars. The season is starting at Oschersleben on April 27. All races will be broadcast live on kabel eins.

Ex-DTM racer Congfu Cheng in Audi R8 LMS Cup

Congfu Cheng will be contesting the Audi R8 LMS Cup in China for the first time this year. In 2010, the Chinese was a factory driver in the DTM. In his international career, the 28-year-old racer gathered initial experiences in the Le Mans 24 Hours, in the Blancpain Endurance Series and in the A1GP Series. The Audi R8 LMS Cup is Audi’s first exclusive one-make cup and starting into its second season this year with more than 20 race cars.

A word from ... Timo Scheider

Audi started the countdown to the season opener with its “DTM Warm-up 2013” at the end of the week. How did you like the event in Munich?

I thought the evening was fantastic. It was something very special to introduce the drivers and teams at such an unusual venue. A great atmosphere developed in no time at all in H’ugo’s, the guests danced, laughed and had a lot of fun. I particularly liked that we brought many people much closer to the DTM and Audi during the evening. People that otherwise might not have been interested in motorsport. I met a lot of great people, who were well impressed and are now DTM fans.

The final joint pre-season tests begin at Hockenheim on Tuesday. What is your program?

Obviously, I can’t say too much, but our job list for the test days is very long. During the last test at Barcelona, we collected a lot of data and we will now build on the findings and make the next step. In addition, it is also a question of finding a rough, basic set-up for the first race at the beginning of May. We have less practice time during the course of a race weekend this year, which is why it’s even more important to arrive as well-sorted as possible.

At Hockenheim, you’ll be seen in a black racecar again. Just how much are you looking forward to your RS 5 DTM?

Perhaps it’s just superstition, but I won both my championship title with a black car. The color was also very successful afterwards – when I think about Gary Paffett or Bruno Spengler. I’m very excited about the new design, and think the fans are as well: the initial feedback after the unveiling during our presentation on Thursday was certainly very positive.

Exactly four weeks to go before the first race. How busy is your calendar beforehand?

This week I’ll be completely concentrated on the test at Hockenheim. You already notice that the start of the season is getting closer, as the tingling sensation in my stomach is getting stronger. Afterwards I go to Majorca for a week to a cycling training camp to hone my fitness a final time. I’ve just received the plan for it: it looks as if we’ll probably cycle around 900 kilometers.

Audi expands from China into other Asian markets with the Audi R8 LMS Cup. Following the successful premiere season in China in 2012, Audi’s first one-make race series worldwide will now visit circuits in South Korea, Malaysia and Macau...